Kits for manufacturing inhalable formulations of medicinal cannabis compounds for aerosol devices, apparatuses, and methods for making and using the same

ABSTRACT

Kits enabling an end user to efficiently compound inhalable formulations containing medicinal compounds, for use in in aerosol device (e-cigarette; personal vaporizer). Kits include a reusable storage device, a filling station, at least one predetermined amount aerosol precursor in a container and at least one empty cartomizer (cartridge) for use in an aerosol delivery device. Optionally, kits may also include a predetermined amount of extract containing a known amount of medicinal compound, enabling the production of an amount an inhalable formulation. Optionally, kits may contain amounts of inputs that enable the refilling/reuse of cartridges.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to vaping, aerosol devices, andinhalable formulations of medicinal compounds.

2. Description of the Prior Art

U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,789 discusses that vaping traditionally has beenassociated with the use of e-cigarettes, which were developed as analternative to traditional cigarettes as a means for volatizing activecomponents, particularly nicotine, for inhalation without combustion,while at the same time providing the user with an oral experiencesimilar to that of traditional cigarette smoking. Electronic cigarettesare also known as Personal Vaporizers (PV) or aerosol delivery devices.

Aerosol delivery devices have three fundamental parts: a formulationstorage component often known as a reservoir or tank, which generallyincludes a detachable mouthpiece, an atomizer which serves as theheating element responsible for atomizing the formulation into aninhalable mist, and a battery unit that provides power to the atomizer,which contains a coil that heats up and volatizes the formulation intoan inhalable mist. A ‘cartridge’ or ‘cartomizer’ or ‘clearomizer’component has been developed to brings the separate reservoir andatomizer component together in a single integrated component. Cartridgescan be disposable or refillable.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,687,027 B2 presents a cartridge that iscompatible/adaptable for use with range of pharmaceutical compounds orsynthetic compounds which are capable of being vaporized (orvolatilized) at a relatively low temperature and without harmfuldegradation products for use with personal vaporizers (also referred toas aerosol delivery devices).

Patent Document No. WO2015117243A1 discusses a formulation derived fromcannabis extracts.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,609,893 B2 discloses a personal vaporizer system with a‘detachable’ cartridge. Cartridges can be disposable or refillable.Patent Document No. CN206687159 U discloses a detachable, refillablecartridge.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,420,829 B2 discloses a wick that can be adapted for usewith e-liquids with different physical properties.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,888,722 B2 discloses a cartridge that contains anatomizer unit that can be adapted for e-liquid viscosity to assure abetter e-liquid gliding effect.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,271,529 B2 discloses a cartridge that is optimized forlow viscosity e-liquids derived from a plurality of substances(non-nicotine use cases).

U.S. Pat. No. 9,955,737 B2 notes that differences between atomizerscause differences in the ingredients and their concentrations deliveredto users, even when the same liquid is used. This document alsodiscloses two styles of cartridge: ‘bottom coil’ and ‘top-coil’ whicheach have fundamentally different atomizer assemblies and filingmethods.

Medicinal properties, are being increasingly recommended by healthcareproviders to their patients, largely due to their effectiveness ascompared to other methods of cannabis compound ingestion. Inhalation ofmedicinal cannabis compounds through vaporization has shown to providemore consistent, controlled, and immediate effects as compared withsmoking marijuana leaves and buds directly and eating edible forms ofthe compound. For example, with smoking, up to 40% of the availablecannabinoids may be biologically unavailable due to combustion andsidestream smoke. When medical cannabis compounds are consumed in food,it is also difficult to gauge the amount consumed and/or its effects.Depending on an individual's digestive process, many medicinal cannabiscompounds can break down prior to reaching the bloodstream, causing asignificant reduction in the therapeutic effectiveness or potency of themedicine.

As cannabinoids are increasingly understood for their medicinalqualities and vaporization continues to be recognized as a highlyeffective delivery method for many patients and users seeking thatmedication, the scope (production and variation) and importance ofinhalable cannabinoid formulations is increasing. As such, there is anincreased need for systems that enable the controlled production anddelivery of cannabinoid formulations via aerosol devices. Givenfragmentation of state laws and regulations around the production anduse of cannabinoid containing formulations, many pharmacists, patientsand anyone else prescribing or consuming said formulations for medicinaluse (controlled doses) have an increased need to understand theproperties and methods of producing and delivery said formulations. Dueto numerous factors (principally the treatment of cannabis compounds asa Schedule 1 drug) the method/practice of filling cartridges—creatinginhalable formulations and pairing with a delivery device—has, to date,largely been defined by black market/recreational use cases andparticipants. However, ‘filling cartilages’ is fast becoming a morespecialized, medical/pharmaceutical practice.

The process for optimizing the delivery of medicinal compounds likecannabinoids via vaporization is function of multiple variables; theproperties of the inhalable formula, the properties of thecartridge/device component, including the battery power to thecartridge, and filler preferences like potency and flavors.

There are a wide range of different formulations can be used fordelivering medicinal benefits via aerosol delivery devices, anddifferent formulations contain a different compounds that, whencombined, have fundamentally different properties, such as its density,viscosity, surface tension and vapor pressure (patent ref). Typically,the formula for an inhalable cannabis solution includes a cannabinoidcarrying extract and a non-active additive that may be a base carrierliquid, diluent, or flavor and effect inducing-additive like terpenes.

Extracts

It's important for the end user to understand that cannabinoid extracts,which include THC and CBD, may contain different amounts of an organicsolvent used during the extraction process. As such, cannabinoidextracts may take a variety of formats and have varying levels ofpurity. Extracts may require different precursors/additives and methodsof mixing to generate viable formulations for use in a particulardevice, which may be optimized for a particular viscosity of liquidformulation. ‘Unwinterized’ cannabis extracts containing higher amountsof lipids and waxes and other plant constituents which are not oilsoluble, generally require more additives (carrier liquid) to reach asuitable liquid state for inhalation, whereas ‘winterized’ extracts aremore refined an have higher potencies and need less additives to beinhaled via aerosol delivery device. Extracts may contain varying levelsof other compounds found in cannabis, like flavonoids and terpenes.These compounds are known to synergize with cannabinoids to provideunique medicinal outcomes, vs ingesting the cannabinoid alone.Typically, the more refined an extract is (despite the highpotency/cannabinoid concentration), the more of the naturally occurringother compounds are removed in the extraction process.

Diluents

Also known as carrier liquids and diluents, aerosol precursors typicallyused in the production of cannabis-based formulations include PG/VG,PEG, MCT oil, and terpene-blends (generally flavorless). Additives maybe introduced in varying ratios to adjust the properties, such as theviscosity, of the formulation to enable atomization of the formula in anaerosol device.

Flavorants

Other compounds, some of which may be sourced from cannabis, known asterpenes, are increasingly popular inputs in cannabis-based inhalableformulations. They may provide other effects in addition to thoseproduced by ingestion of cannabinoid concentrations. Terpenes are alsobeing used increasingly to reduce the viscosity of cannabis extracts andprovide added medicinal value. Non-flavored terpenes may be considereddiluents by many skilled in the art. Other flavoring solutions exist,such as those typically used in traditional nicotine e-liquids.

Mixing/Filling

To create a suitable inhalable formulation from cannabinoid extracts,the extract is typically combined with an aerosol precursor (carrierliquid/solvent/diluent) and heated to ˜150 F and stirred until themixture reaches a homogeneous state with desired properties. Thoseskilled in the art know that a variety of solvents and mixingmethodologies may be utilized to deliver an effectively mixed formula.Such as a hot plate, microwave, or placing a container in hot water.Once the formulation has reached a suitable state, it can be injectedinto a cartridge, for use in an aerosol generating device. Somecartridge models have unique filling instructions. Most recommend that,after the cartridge has been capped with its mouthpiece, it should beturned upside down for at least twelve hours to reduce potentialleakage.

As mentioned above, the effective delivery of medicinal compounds likecannabinoids via vaporization is not only a function of creating aspecific inhalable formulation (usually a liquid), it also involvesidentifying a cartridge/device component that is suited to deliver theformulation in the intended way. Concurrently, aerosol generatingdevices have a constructions and battery/power levels that are optimizedfor vaporization of pre-vapor formulations with fairly specificproperties, including such as its density, viscosity, surface tensionand vapor pressure. If the inhalable formulation is not optimized forthe design/properties of the aerosol delivery device being used, thedelivery of the medicinal compounds in controlled doses can be easilycompromised. The size of the inlet holes in cartridge atomizer, forexample, determine the flow rate of a particular formulation housed inthe tank of the cartridge. The intake holes control the flow rate of theformulation to the atomizer coil. If the viscosity of the formula is toohigh or too low, the end user will experience a suboptimal vapingexperience (potentially burning taste, low vapor production, orflooding, or even complete failure of the device). The battery power andresistance of the atomizer in a cartridge also impacts the performance(principally by affecting the temperature of the coils in the cartilagethat atomize the formulation into inhalable units) of a delivery devicein providing a controlled, targeted amount of medication. For example,it has been shown that high volatizing temperatures can degrade somemedicinal compounds found in cannabis-based inhalable formulations.Often times, temperature can be controlled by reducing the voltage/powerlevel on a battery until you reach a desired vaping outcome.

Thus, there is a significant amount of trial and error for those tryingto create and deliver targeted (and possibly prescribed) inhalableformulations containing cannabis derived medicines. This has importantimplications for those that create formulas and for those that consumethe medicine. It's important the producer creates a viable/useableproduct that reaches potency and flavor preferences, which requires theaccurate compounding of known inputs in the formulation. And toaccurately compound a formulation, the contents of the compounds beingused must be known. As such, many people involved in creating medicinetoday are not experienced (novice) in the art, nor are they yet requiredto be held accountable for the qualities of their formulations.Streamlining and providing quality control to these processes isincreasingly important.

From a pharmaceutical (cannabis) perspective, educational andoperational solutions could greatly benefit those tasked withunderstanding and creating the different potential formulations anddevices used in aerosol delivery to patients prescribedcannabinoid-based medications. Given the inevitable level of trial anderror associated with this budding form of medicine, practiced by manynot trained in pharmaceutical compounding, solutions that enableefficient reliability of various (known) inputs used in the creation ofinhalable cannabinoid solutions is increasingly important. Critically,the producer benefits from knowing the properties of the cannabinoidextract(s) being used in a particular formulation, such potency andlevel of refinement (winterized vs unwinterized) and the targetproperties of the formulation.

Assuming the producer has the extract, he must source inputs(additive(s) and cartridges/battery) for creating and delivering aviable formulation from said extract. Generally producers purchase largeamounts of inputs to develop their target formula and cartridgecombination(s), and may use automated technology to create largeproduction runs. As more patients/users require more formats ofcannabinoid-based medicine, the complexity of creating differentsolutions increases for producers. This decreases the efficiency of theproducer, who has to do more testing (trial and error) for increasedvariation, more time ordering different inputs, and has an increasedrisk of error in terms of creating a targeted formulation if the inputsfor different formulations and patients mix during production. Asmentioned, if there are multiple extracts or multiple finishedformulations being used, the complexity for the producer increases.

As such pharmacists/medical providers and patients also need inventorymanagement solutions that allow them to efficiently source the inputsand components need to achieve varying levels of production(‘unit-of-use’). While some producers may need optimized kits fortesting for larger production runs, some patients or other end userswould benefit from ‘unit-of-use’ inventory systems for formulating anddelivering their own medicine.

Maintaining inventories for inputs (cartridges,carrier/diluent/flavorant) and the requisite tools for filled cartridgeproduction can be challenging, as they're sourced from independentmanufacturers and generally have minimum order requirements. Thisrequires a lot of time and unnecessary expense, especially when newformulations are tested and produced. The inability to source cartridgeand diluent/carrier/flavorants (herein referred to primarily as‘additives’) necessary to achieve a predefined level of production isespecially challenging for those trying to test products or do smallproduction runs for patients or for personal use.

Traditionally, pharmacists are trained to do consultations, recordkeeping for controlled substances, and keeping of accurate inventories.There is a need for tools that help the dispensing of cannabis productsbecome more pharmaceutical as traditional pharmacy, as many cannabispharmacists were not trained in pharmacy and are not employed byorganizations that have resources to enable comprehensive product andservice offerings.

For a variety of reasons, many individuals go outside of thepharmaceutical and traditional medical channels to consume similarmedicinal cannabis-derived compounds. In many states, even medical useis prohibited, and recreational use can result in jail time. Therefore,many consumers and ‘self-described’ patients are turning to blackmarkets to source prefilled inhalable devices as well as the componentsand inputs to make them. The role of the black market in the cannabissupply chain is well known by those skilled in the art. In many states,even medical cannabis market participants (patients and caregivers) aresourcing their medicine through unregulated sources. While regulation iscatching up, it's slow moving.

The proliferations of the black market have several undesiredexternalities. Many cartridges in the market today are known to havefalse labeling regarding potency and ingredients; numerous popular vapeproducts have been found to contain toxic, tainted ingredients and falselabeling in the market today. Filled cartridges in certain markets areknown to be drastically overpriced: lack of supply in many markets hasdriven the price of THC/CBD e-liquid filled cartridges to exceed 1000%of manufacturer's cost. These realities of the current market forinhalable formulations of cannabis compounds warrant solutions that willbring quality-controlled, cost-effective, verifiable products to marketfor both recreational and medicinal users.

As such, there is a need for a solution that provides accurate,corresponding labeling for inhalable formulations (as well as otherproducts) in the rapidly growing and fast changing cannabis industry.It's well known to those skilled in the art that mislabeling ofproducts, particularly cartridges for use in aerosol delivery devices,containing formulas with medicinal compounds. To add, these formulationsare not being created by pharmacists or chemists, but people producinglargely black market/rec products, who, in many cases, label theirproducts as having defined medicinal properties. Even in non-medical usecases, it would be greatly beneficial to a consumer to be able to createtheir own known formulations from a known cannabis-based extract. Inmedical use cases, it's absolutely critical that labeling is sounds toachieve a desired/prescribed dose. In medical use cases, labeling andpackaging requirements are already being mandated by states, and theneed to keep up to date with these regulations and labeling requirementsis critically important to the producer of cartridges. Solutions thatenable custom labeling at relatively low levels production levels areimportant as it may be prohibitively expensive/time consuming for theproducer to invest in those resources.

In addition to cost and labeling and safety issues, filled cartridgesare marketed/sold to consumers as disposable, despite the fact that(some) cartridges are refillable, leading to significant waste. There isa need for a solution that enables the personal filling and refilling ofcartridges from a inhalable formulation. Most inhalable formulations onthe market today are sold as pre-filled, disposable cartridges. Thisleads to waste and unnecessary product degradation and failure. Thelonger a formulation sits in a cartridge without being used, the more itdegrades. Additionally, without a ready supply (container) of inhalableformulation and a tool to draw and dispense it, the concept of refillingfor the individual/personal use end users is not viable. Cartridgetechnology will continue to improve and become more refillable.Cartridges, despite the fact that many can be viably filled multipletimes before being discarded, are generally disposed of after singleuse.

While certain factors impact the a ‘refillability’ of acartridge—particularly the construction/materials of the cartridge andthe properties of the formula being housed in it and vaporized. Forexample, a formulation made with an amount of highly refined extract,like pure THC distillate, and an amount of diluent, will vaporize‘cleaner’ than a formulation made with the same amount of crude THCextract and diluent. The impurities in the crude solution, if it even ifthe solution homogenizes to a liquid formula suitable for use in thecartridge, will generally clog the atomizer and other parts of thecartridge at a faster rate than the cartridge containing the refinedextract solution.

There is a need for a filling/refilling kit that contains emptycartridges, a predefined amount of a ready-to-vape formulation, and adraw/dispensing tool (i.e. syringe). This is optimized for refilling(waste reduction) and to reduce the chance of cartridge/formuladegradation, which can take place when the formulation sits in thecartridge for an extended period of time.

Inhalable Formulations

Medicinal formulations (for use in an aerosol device) are made fromconcentrated forms (pure or with a solvent) of medicinal compounds (maybe referred to as ‘extracts’ or ‘concentrates’ herein). The process ofcreating formulations typically involves diluting medicinal extract(i.e. cannabinoid extract), by combining it with an amount of carriermixture (diluent) in a container, heating (to −150 F), and stirring themixture until it reaches a homogeneous state with desired properties, atwhich time it can be injected into a cartridge for use in an aerosoldevice. Those skilled in the art know that a variety of heating methodscan be utilized in the mixing process, such as a hot plate, microwave,or placing a container in hot water. Other additives (such as terpenes)may be added to adjust flavor and properties of the formulation toenable atomization of the formula in the aerosol device.

There are a range of medicinal extracts used in the production ofinhalable formulations, many of which of have different properties whichrequire different amounts/types of carriers/diluents (herein referred toprimarily as ‘additives’) to achieve a suitable formulation for use in acartridge. In general diluents and carrier liquids both act assolvents/emulsifiers/homogenizers/liquidizers/thickening and stabilizingagents, to create a suitable formulation. Traditionally, formulationsused in aerosol devices have contained the active/organic compoundnicotine (in concentrated form) and a carrier base generally consistingof propylene glycol (PG), glycerol (VG), or PEG-400, or some combinationthereof, and flavoring solution(s).

More recently, inhalable formulations are being created to enable theconsumption of the medicinal compounds other than nicotine. For example,formulations containing cannabis extracts, and their active ingredientsTHC and CBD, are increasingly popular. Medicinal compounds/extractsaccording to the present invention can have varying properties, whichhave led to the development of new recipes to enable inhalableformulations in an aerosol device. More frequently, in cannabis derivedformulations, for example, non-traditional carrier base/diluents andflavorants (and their corresponding ratios) are being used (differentthan those used in nicotine e-cigarette formulations).

For example, different combinations and types of carriers/diluents andflavorants used in formulations derived from different kinds of cannabisextracts:

Carrier/diluent: In general, carriers, which are used to ‘carry’cannabis compounds/extracts, are used in larger ratios when the extractcannot be easily diluted. Some cannabis extracts contain varying amountsof lipids and waxes and other plant constituents which are not oilsoluble and may separate or cloud the final product. Unwinterizedextracts include BHO and Rosin. When using unwinterized extracts, withhigh lips/waxes content, it is believed by many skilled in the art, thatit is generally better/necessary to use a carrier (base). Typically,these are MCT, PG, and PEG. Diluents dissolve into the extract and thinit, allowing less additives than when using carrier (base). Diluentsdissolve into your extract and force separation of non-soluablecomponents. Flavorless terpenes and other solutions, like triethylcitrate, are currently being used as diluents. Diluents, it is believedby many skilled in the art, are optimal for winterized cannabisextracts, meaning those which have had the majority of the lipids (fats)and waxes removed. Generally winterized extracts include distillate andpost processed (finished/polished) CO2. There are a large variety of MCToils (9 variations?) that are potentially suitable for use as a diluent.

Flavorant: non-traditional flavorants such as terpenes, or combinationof terpenes, are being used increasingly in inhalable formulationsderived from cannabis extracts, particularly those derived from refinedcannabis extracts where much of the natural flavor is stripped outduring the extraction process.

As highlighted, the extracts used in the production of inhalableformulas may have varying properties which are determined largely by theextraction method used to produced them. Compared to less refinedextracts like BHO (unwinterized), more refined extracts like distillate(winterized) have a higher purity/potency and they contain less organiccompounds, such as fats/lipids/waxes and plant matter. Ultra-refinedcannabis THC extracts can exceed 90% potency. Additionally, a singleextract can be adapted to have different properties. It is known tothose skilled in the art that ‘decarbing’, a method of heating anunwinterized extract to change its properties, can be used to decreasethe viscosity of non-winterized cannabis extracts. Decarbing effectivelyvolatizes compounds in the extract, such as terpenes, which lessensviscosity.

Indeed, Unwinterized Extract A, Decarbed Extract A, and Distillate madefrom Extract A may all be used to create inhalable formulations but willhave different fundamental properties (and require different formulainputs) that will result in fundamentally different vaping experiences(flavor, dose/inhale, leaking/clogging) in a given aerosol deliverydevice.

Cartridges

Cartridges in the present invention are designed to be compatible and/oradaptable for use with range of pharmaceutical compounds or syntheticcompounds which are capable of being vaporized (or volatilized) at arelatively low temperature and without harmful degradation products.These include menthol, caffeine, taurine, THC and nicotine. Thesecartridges can also be adapted. The capillary wick may have any suitablecapillarity and porosity so as to be used with different liquid physicalproperties such as density, viscosity, surface tension and vaporpressure.

Cartridges according to the present invention can take a variety ofshapes and sizes, colors, and styles. They are typically cylindrical butmay be ‘pods’ or another non-cylindrical format.

E-liquid is vaporized and inhaled via a PV, which has three fundamentalparts: an e-liquid storage components, which generally includes amouthpiece, an atomizer which serves as the heating element responsiblefor vaporizing the liquid into an inhalable mist, and a battery unitthat serves as the power supply in PV systems. A ‘cartridge’ or‘cartomizer’ or ‘clearomizer’ option has been developed for PV systemsthat brings the separate reservoir and atomizer component together in asingle integrated component.

The focus of this invention consists of detachable cartridges (atomizerand liquid reservoir) and power sources. These cartridges can bedisposable, but are provided with lids to be refillable. Cartridges aregenerally cylindrical, but can take other shapes; one popular version ofnon-cylindrical cartridge being used today is the ‘pod’. Indeed, thesize, shape, design, and material(s) of a cartridge can impact itsfunctionality and durability.

Similarly, aerosol delivery devices of the present invention have beendeveloped with unique properties and constructions that can producedifferent ‘vaping experiences’ of the same inhalable formulation. Forexample, the reservoir portion of an aerosol delivery device can beconfigured to retain and enable transfer of a unique formulation to thewick, which can be made from material adaptable to facilitate transportof the unique formulation (usually a liquid) from the reservoir to theheating chamber, via capillary action for example. Cartridges containingonly ceramic coils (no wick) or large (2.0 mm for example) inlet holes,which allow the passage of an inhalable formula to travel to the heatingelement, are known to be more optimal for more viscous formulations.

Cartridges, particularly the atomizer portion, have unique propertiesand structures that can be optimized for delivering e-liquids withvarying physical properties, such as viscosity, density, surfacetension, and vapor pressure. One cartridge according to the presentinvention has an adaptation which ensures that the wick is always wet inthe heating area, preventing overheating, which can lead to thermaldegradation of e-liquid and its core compounds.

Variations in a cartridge's structure affect airflow speed anddirection, vapor particle size (i.e. 5 micrometers (μm)), e-liquidcoloration, e-liquid holding volume, and battery connectivity.Cartridges are constructed from a variety of materials with differentlevels of durability. Many are intended to be disposable after a singleuse. Indeed, different cartridges of the present invention are optimizedfor different kinds of e-liquids.

Cartilage Filling

The filling process can vary for different cartridges and liquids.Cartridges have different constructions and assemblies, which requirespecific filling protocols to maximize the use of the cartridge. One ofthe goals of the present invention is to facilitate ease of this filingprocess for a variety of different filing protocols.

Some cartridges must be kept upright during the filling process. Theviscosity of e-liquid can also impact the optimal filling methodology.For example, some cartridges especially those with higher viscositye-liquids may require a longer period of time to soak into the atomizerbefore it can be used in a PV system. The present inventive method anddevice seeks to overcome the challenges associated with hand fillingmethods, which are not addressed by automated cartridge fillingtechnology which is expensive and inefficient for personalizedformulations.

In general filling methodologies may change based on cartridge type ande-liquid type. E-liquid cartridges are generally optimized for certainlevels of battery power. PV batteries are ubiquitous, rechargeable, andadapt to the vast majority of cartridges via a 510 thread. Certain powerlevels will align with certain heating elements to produce an optimalvaping experience. Many batteries made today have variable voltagefunctions, allowing an end user to vape optimally across differentcartridge types.

Medicinal Cannabis

Cannabis extracts have varying medicinal benefits. It is an oil-basedwhole plant product that contains inactive and active compoundscontained in the cannabis plant such as cannabinoids, terpenes and/orflavonoids. The extracts and/or delivery methods described allows a widerange of prevention, treatment and management options for patients. Somecompositions are a mixture of 20 flavonoid compounds which are wellknown as antioxidants and which also scavenge damaging free radicals.Another terpene-based compositions relate to enriched formulations thatare biomimetic to the aroma, flavor, and pharmaceutical effect ofvarious biochemicals naturally present in particular strains of theCannabis plant, including terpenes and cannabinoids.

In one aspect, some embodiments disclosed therein related to methods ofmaking a composition for imparting one or more desired effects to asubject. The method includes preparing a composition in which aplurality of chemical compounds which are known to occur in a cannabisstrain and are associated with at least one desired effect in a subjectare enriched, wherein the amounts or levels of the plurality of chemicalcompounds with respect to one another in the composition are about theamounts or levels of the plurality of chemical compounds with respect toone another in the cannabis strain.

Implementations of embodiments of the method according to this aspectand other aspects of the present disclosure can include one or more ofthe following features. In some embodiments, the preparation of thecomposition includes (i) obtaining a first enriched or purifiedcomposition of a first chemical compound from among the plurality ofchemical compounds associated with at least one desired effect in asubject and which is known to occur in a cannabis strain, and (ii)combining the first enriched or purified composition with a secondenriched or purified composition of a second chemical compound fromamong the plurality of chemical compounds associated with at least onedesired effect in a subject and which is known to occur in the cannabisstrain. In some embodiments, the plurality of chemical compounds areselected from the group consisting of terpenes, terpenoids,cannabinoids, nitrogenous compounds, amino acids, proteins,glycoproteins, enzymes, sugars and related compounds, hydrocarbons,simple alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, simple acids, fatty acids, simpleesters, lactones, steroids, non-cannabinoid phenols, flavonoids,vitamins, pigments, and other elements. In some embodiments, theplurality of chemical compounds includes at least one terpene compoundselected from the group consisting of monoterpenes, diterpenes,triterpenes, hemiterpenes, sesquiterpenes, sesterterpenes,sesquiterpenes, and notisoprenoids.

In some embodiments, the plurality of chemical compounds includes atleast one terpene compound selected from the group consisting of3-carene, α-bisabolol, β-caryophyllene, bisabolol, borneol, camphene,carene, caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, citronellol, eucalyptol,fenchol, geraniol, γ-terpinene, guaiol, humulene, isopulegol, limonene,linalool, menthol, myrcene, ocimene, p-cymene, phellandrene, phytol,α-pinene, β-pinene, terpenolene, terpinene, terpineol, and valencene. Insome embodiments, the plurality of chemical compounds includes at leastone terpene compound selected from the group consisting ofcaryophyllene, limonene, linalool, myrcene, a-pinene, and β-pinene.

Some of the medical benefits attributable to one or more of thecannabinoids isolated from cannabis include treatment of pain, nausea,AIDS-related weight loss and wasting, multiple sclerosis, allergies,infection, depression, migraine, bipolar disorders, hypertension,post-stroke neuroprotection, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, as well asinhibition of tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Studies haveshown that cannabinoids may also be useful for treating conditions, suchas glaucoma, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, migraines,inflammation, Crohn's disease, dystonia, rheumatoid arthritis, emesisdue to chemotherapy, inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis,posttraumatic stress disorder, cardiac reperfusion injury, prostatecarcinoma, and Alzheimer's disease.

Terpenes are compounds that are produced by cannabis. Reportedly, asmany as 200 or more terpenes can be produced by cannabis plants,although the types and ratios of terpenes produced by a cannabis strainare dependent on genetics and growth conditions (e.g., lighting,fertilization, soil, watering frequency/amount, humidity, carbon dioxideconcentration, and the like), as well as age, maturation, and time ofday. Terpenes have been shown to have medicinal properties and may beresponsible for at least a portion of the medicinal value of cannabis.

Some of the medical benefits attributable to one or more of the terpenesisolated from cannabis include treatment of sleep disorders, psychosis,anxiety, epilepsy and seizures, pain, microbial infections (fungal,bacterial, etc.), cancer, inflammation, spasms, gastric reflux,depression, and asthma. Some terpenes have been shown to: lower theresistance across the blood-brain barrier, act on cannabinoid receptorsand other neuronal receptors, stimulate the immune system, and/orsuppress appetite.

Due to the wide variety of benefits, there is a growing need for theability to personalize treatment, and to provide devices and methodscapable of facilitating personalized treatment on a growing scale.Ultimately, these devices may be provided whole sale with guidelines toprovide personalized treatment based in specific factors listed aboveand discussed in greater detail below.

‘Unit-of-Use Kits’

The invention, in part, stems from the realization that there exists aneed for a convenient method for preparing and delivering accurate,controlled, and/or predefined amounts of selected cannabinoidformulations, for medicinal purpose. Such a method would add tremendousefficiency to many pharmacists, patients, or anyone tasked withdelivering a prescribed unit medicinal dose of an amount of one or moremedical cannabis compounds via aerosol device. It would require areduction in required inventory/inventory management and enable moreaccurate formulations. In a pharmaceutical context, the invention,results in an increased availability of medicine to patients thatformula is true to what was prescribed or what's desired. This inventionwould also enable an accurate/dependable patient/medicine-specificlabeling solution, solving a major pain point and reducing a major riskfaced by the industry today.

From a patient's perspective (whether prescribed my medicalprofessional; or themselves/recreationally), the ability to create anddeliver targeted medicinal treatment without having to wait for apharmacist, resort to the black market to source or alternate methods ofingesting the core medicinal compounds (smoking, edibles), cost savings,potential reduction of waste may all provide different levels ofutility. The invention provides methods/kits that enable the preparationof unique inhalable cannabis formulations, as well as methods for theiruse. There is also a need for pharmaceutical formulations comprisingknown concentrations, or known relative concentrations, of medicinalcannabis compounds for use with said delivery devices. Various aspectsdisclosed herein may fulfill one or more of these needs.

The systems and methods described herein each have several aspects, nosingle one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes.Without limiting the scope of this disclosure as expressed by the claimsthat follow, the more prominent features will now be discussed briefly.After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading thesection entitled “Detailed Description,” one will understand how thesample features described herein provide for improved systems, devices,compositions, and methods for “delivering medicinal cannabis compoundsto a patient.

Method 1—Compounding Specific Formulations

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method for manufacturing filled cartridges (producinge-liquid and filling cartridges for use in a PV). The method includesthe steps of providing a kit that includes an enclosure and components,materials (aerosol precursors; additives), and methods (instructions)for creating a predetermined amount of a pharmaceutical formulation (acompounded pharmaceutical formulation) using at least one cannabis(cannabinoid) compound. The method includes providing pre-measuredamounts of active (cannabinoid) and inactive (e.g., base; diluent;additive) agents for the preparation and filling of single or multipleprescriptions (formulations) which may consist of a predetermined amountof formulation inputs (cannabinoid extract, additives) and apredetermined amount of cartridges (aerosol delivery device componentswhich store and enable inhalation of said formulations), and are thusreferred to as ‘unit-of-use’ kits. It includes the step of providing anoptimized filling station/apparatus and enclosure that holds componentsfor convenient use and transportation. Optionally, the method mayinclude providing packaging and labeling that is specific to themedicinal formulation(s) (which may come applied or have to be appliedby the end user), placing tools and components back into the kit,storing unused liquid in an empty container, closing the kit, andreusing the kit to fill additional cartridges or refill cartridgespreviously filled using the kit.

In some embodiments, the medicinal cannabis compound provided in the kitcontains a known amount of one or more cannabinoids. In some suchembodiments, the one or more cannabinoids have a ratio of CBD to THC ofbetween 1:1 and 1:100.

In some embodiments, the method involves sourcing an amount of extractcontaining medicinal (cannabinoid compounds) from a testing facility orrelated entity-type, where the potency has been verified by anaccredited third-party testing entity. The method may include thetesting lab (kit provider) provides product-specific labeling that canbe applied to the products and may be required by regulation or at therequest of the end user sourcing the kit.

In some embodiments, the kit may contain a plurality of known (tested)extracts and/or a plurality of mixing containers, so the end user cancreate and use a unique formulations from each of said plurality ofextracts (containing a known amount of medicinal compound; cannabinoidsfor example). In these embodiments, the kits are preferably designed bythe kit provider. In some embodiments, the kit contains at least onemixing element, an additive (inactive or active) agent stored in acontainer. The kit may also contain a second additive, housed in asecond container and preferably not the same type/amount additive thatis in the first container. Both the first and second containerspreferably contain an active or inactive compound selected from thegroup consisting of cannabinoids, terpenes, mct oils, PG/VG, or otherknown additives or other commonly used additives in cannabinoidformulations for use in aerosol delivery devices, which are listed inthe prior art section.

One aspect of an embodiment of the current invention is that the activeand inactive/active agents are physically mixed by a pharmacist toproduce a compounded pharmaceutical composition. It is intended that thecompounded compositions and the compounding methods of the invention beperformed by either a qualified pharmacist or a qualified physician.Thus, as used herein, when reference is made to a pharmacist, apharmacist and a physician are intended.

Kit 1—Compounding Predefined Formulations Using Known Inputs

One aspect of the disclosure relates to a kit that enables the creationof specific formulations of compounds suitable for delivery viavaporizations (an aerosol delivery device). In various embodiments, thekit contains inputs needed to make a target formulation containing aknown amount of medicinal compounds from cannabis extract(cannabinoids), to be combined with at least one aerosol precursorincluded in the kit, to create a predetermined medicinal formulation orformulation(s) for use in an aerosol delivery device.

The aerosol precursor(s) included in the kit could be a variety oforganic compounds and could also have medicinal properties (i.e.terpenes). The kit includes at least one mixing container, which maycontain the known amount of extract, for combining the includedadditive(s) (organic compound(s)) with the known amount of activecompound (cannabis extract), enabling the creation of a targetedformulation to deliver specific dose and effects. The mixing containercan optionally be used for storage of the single formulation createdusing the kit. The kit may also include tools, such a syringe/fillingtool, mixing tool, or a heating device, to aid in the recommendedprocesses of creating the predefined formulation and filling the uniquecartridges included in the kit. Kits may include kit-specificinstructions with information about creating the specific formulation,mixing, and filling/priming the specific cartridge component for use,which battery power/voltage to use with the unique filled cartridgesproduced using the kit, as well as a full list of kit contents, orproducer branding/logos. and priming them for use in an aerosol device.The kit may optionally contain custom (white labeled) labeling andpackaging, which may contain information regarding the product and/orthe supplier and/or the patient, as required under regulation/compliancerequirements, for the products' end user.

The kit may include packaging with labels applied, or with labels thatmust be applied by the user of the kit. Kits may include solutions forcleaning cartridges during filling or after use, which may better enablerefilling of cartridges after use. The kit may also contain a variablebattery suitable use for the cartridges in the kit and/or recommendpower/battery/voltage devices to use to power the specific model ofcartridge containing a unique formulation.

In some embodiments, the medicinal cannabis compound provided in the kitcontains a known amount of one or more cannabinoids. In some suchembodiments, the one or more cannabinoids have a ratio of CBD to THC ofbetween about 1:1 and about 1:100. In some embodiments, the methodinvolves sourcing an amount of extract containing medicinal (cannabinoidcompounds) from a testing facility or related entity-type, where thepotency has been verified by an accredited third-party testing entity.The method may include the testing lab (kit provider) providesproduct-specific labeling that can be applied to the products and may berequired by regulation or at the request of the end user sourcing thekit.

In some embodiments, the kit contains at least one mixing element, anadditive (inactive or active) agent. The kit may contain a plurality ofadditives, housed in a plurality of containers and preferably not thesame type/amount additive that is in the first container. Both the firstand second containers preferably contain an active or inactive compoundselected from the group consisting of cannabinoids, terpenes, mct oils,PG/VG, or other known additives or other commonly used additives incannabinoid formulations for use in aerosol delivery devices, which arelisted in the prior art section.

One aspect of an embodiment of the current invention is that the formulainputs (combination of active and inactive/active agents) are physicallymixed by a trained pharmacist to produce a compounded pharmaceuticalcomposition. It is intended that the compounded compositions and thecompounding methods of the invention be performed by either a qualifiedpharmacist or a qualified physician.

In some embodiments, the kit may contain a plurality of known extracts(amounts and concentrations of medicinal compounds) and/or a pluralityof mixing containers, so the end user can create multiple targetedformulations under this method/kit format. In some embodiments, the kitmay contain tools, such as a heating tool, stirring rod, and spillwipes.

METHOD 2—Select And Store Different Ratios

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method for manufacturing filled cartridges (creatinginhalable formulations and filling cartridges for use in a vaporizer).The method includes the steps of providing a kit that includes anenclosure and components (cartridges), materials (at least one aerosolprecursors), and methods (instructions) which will enable a variety offormulations from (unknown) medicinal (cannabis) extracts, fillingcartridges using the various formulations of the kit. The methodincludes providing a predetermined amount of at least one aerosolprecursor (additive) and a plurality of empty cartridges (aerosoldelivery device components which store and enable inhalation of saidformulations) and are thus may also be referred to as ‘unit-of-use’kits. The method also includes the step of providing an optimizedfilling station/apparatus and enclosure that holds components of the kitfor convenient use and safe transit. The method also includes fillingcartridges or a range of cartilage models with at least one inhalableformulation. Optionally, the method may include providing packaging andlabeling for application onto supplemental packaging, placing tools andcomponents back into the kit, storing unused liquid in an emptycontainer, closing the kit, and reusing the kit to fill additionalcartridges or refill cartridges previously filled using the kit.

In one embodiment, the method enables a kit containing multiple modelsof cartridges.

In one embodiment, the method enables a kit containing at least onemixing element, an additive (inactive or active) agent, selected fromthe group consisting of cannabinoids, terpenes, mct oils, PG/VG, orother known additives or other commonly used additives in cannabinoidformulations for use in aerosol delivery devices, which are listed inthe prior art section.

In other embodiments, the kit may also contain a second additive, housedin a second container and preferably not the same type/amount additivethat is in the first container. Both the first and second containerspreferably contain an active or inactive compound (additive) selectedfrom the group consisting of cannabinoids, terpenes, mct oils, PG/VG, orother known additives or other commonly used additives in cannabinoidformulations for use in aerosol delivery devices, which are listed inthe prior art section.

The kit contains predetermined labeling as determined by the designer.The labeling may be on stickers/labels or engraved/printed ontocomponents pieces.

Kit 2—Compounding Various Formulations From Unknown Extracts

One aspect of the disclosure relates to a kit that enables the creationof formulation of compounds suitable for delivery via vaporizations (anaerosol delivery device). In various embodiments, the kit containsinputs needed to make a target formulation with an unknown (to the kitprovider) amount of cannabis extract, to be combined with at least oneaerosol precursor included in the kit, to create a formulation orformulation(s) for use in an aerosol delivery device. The aerosolprecursor(s) included in the kit could be a variety of organic compoundsand could also have medicinal properties (i.e. terpenes).

The kit includes a plurality of mixing containers for combining theincluded additive(s) (organic compound(s)) with an unknown amount of anactive compound (cannabis extract), enabling the testing and sampling ofdifferent ratios of said extract: additive(s). The mixing container canoptionally be used for storage of a formulation created using the kit.The kit may also include tools, such a syringe/filling tool, mixingtool, or a heating device, to aid in the recommended processes ofcreating the predefined formulation and filling the unique cartridgesincluded in the kit. Kits may include kit-specific instructions withinformation about creating specific formulations, mixing, andfilling/priming specific cartridges for use, which battery power/voltageto use with the unique filled cartridges produced using the kit, as wellas a full list of kit contents, or producer branding/logos. and primingthem for use in an aerosol device.

The kit may optionally contain custom (white labeled) labeling andpackaging, which may contain information regarding the product and/orthe supplier and/or regulatory and compliance the filled cartridges andapplying labels with unique information. Kits may include solutions forcleaning cartridges during filling or after use, which may better enablerefilling of cartridges after use. The kit may also contain a variablebattery suitable use for the cartridges in the kit and/or recommendpower/battery/voltage devices to use to power the specific model ofcartridge containing a unique formulation.

The kit contains at least one mixing element, an additive (inactive oractive) agent. The kit may also contain a second additive, housed in asecond container and preferably not the same type/amount additive thatis in the first container. Both the first and second containerspreferably contain an active or inactive compound selected from thegroup consisting of cannabinoids, terpenes, mct oils, PG/VG, or otherknown additives or other commonly used additives in cannabinoidformulations for use in aerosol delivery devices, which are listed inthe prior art section.

Optionally/in some embodiments the kit (or any variations highlightedabove) does not include any cannabinoid extract or compounds.

In some embodiments, the kit also contains at least one empty containerfor storage of a unique formulation.

Method 3—Refilling Cartridges With Pre-Formulated Formulations

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an end user the means a cartridge refilling option. The methodincludes the steps of providing a kit that includes an amount of emptycartridges, a container containing a predetermined amount of aninhalable formulation containing a known amount of a medicinal compound.The method may also include providing tools for use of the kit,instructions, and cleaning solutions. The method includes providing anamount of the inhalable formulation exceeds the total capacity of theempty cartridges included in the kit. i.e. 2.0 ml of extract for a kitwith 2 empty 0.5 ml cartridges. In some embodiments, the kit contains anoptimized filling station/apparatus and enclosure (box). The method mayalso include packaging and labeling, which could include medicinalinformation, producer info, etc.

In some embodiments, the medicinal cannabis compound provided in the kitcontains a known amount of one or more cannabinoids. In some suchembodiments, the one or more cannabinoids have a ratio of CBD to THC ofbetween about 1:1 and about 1:100.

In some embodiments, the kit contains an amount of extract containingmedicinal (cannabinoid compounds) that has been tested at a verifiedthird-party, accredited testing entity. In some embodiments, the testinglab provides product-specific labeling (possibly as the kit provider)that can be applied to the products and may be required by regulation orat the request of the end user sourcing the kit.

In some embodiments, a mixture of the known medicinal active agent andat least one additive (inactive or active) agent is used in thecompounded pharmaceutical formulation, where the additive is selectedfrom the group consisting of cannabinoids, terpenes, mct oils, PG/VG, orother known additives listed in the prior art section above.

Kit 3—Refilling Kit

In another embodiment, a version of the kit includes a number of emptycartridges and a predetermined amount of an inhalable formulationscontaining medicinal compounds. More specifically, this version of thekit may contain more formulation than the total volume of the cartridgesincluded in the kit. In some embodiments, a cannabis oil extract havinga known amount refers to a cannabis oil extract having a knownconcentration of one or more medicinal cannabis compounds; in otherembodiments, a cannabis oil extract having a known amount refers to acannabis oil extract having a known relative concentration (i.e., aknown ratio) of two or more medicinal cannabis compounds. In someembodiments, the inhalable formulation included contains an amount ofone or more cannabinoids. In some such embodiments, the one or morecannabinoids have a ratio of CBD to THC of between about 1:1 and about1:100. In other embodiments, the one or more.

In some embodiments, the kit contains an amount of extract containingmedicinal (cannabinoid compounds) that has been tested at a verifiedthird-party, accredited testing entity. In some embodiments, the testinglab provides product-specific labeling (possibly as the kit provider)that is/can be applied to the products and may be required by regulationor at the request of the end user sourcing the kit. In some embodiments,a mixture of the known medicinal active agent and at least one additive(inactive or active) agent is used in the compounded pharmaceuticalformulation, where the additive is selected from the group consisting ofcannabinoids, terpenes, mct oils, PG/VG, or other known additives listedin the prior art section above.

Apparatus—Filling Station

It is another aspect of the invention to provide a fillingstation/apparatus for each kit. Each kit is compactly packaged,incorporating an apparatus (fill station) having individual recesses orreceptacles for each component in the kit, with each such recess beinguniquely shaped or dimensioned to receive only its designated item(s).The tray presents the components and materials in a way that minimizesthe time and effort of the end user to follow the instructions andcomplete the production sequence as described in the instructions. Inother words, components are positioned to require minimummovement/travel while performing the processes of creating differentforms of e-liquid and/or filling and sealing unique cartridges for thate-liquid. Moreover, the instructions included in kits may be adapted toclearly outline which components are which and where the sit in thetray/apparatus, reducing any confusion for the end user. The apparatusis designed to fit inside a box that is durable and has interiorclearance for any components rising above the surface level of theapparatus, such as the bottoms of the cartridges. The apparatus can beremoved from the box and stand on its own.

Custom Instructions and Labeling

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide tailored‘unit-of-use’ style instructions/methods in the kits. These instructionsmay contain unique information relating to the unique amounts and typesof inputs in a specific kit. I.e. kits adapted to create differentamounts of formulation (in kit 1, for example) and offering a particularmodel/number of cartridges will have instructions tailored to thoseinputs and related processes, to be completed by the kit provider.Instructions and methodologies are displayed in the form of aninstructional manual, which may be found printed inside thebox/container of the kit, under the lid for example, or in a separatedocument/pamphlet included in the kit, or digitally, to be accessed bythe user via a technological device such as a computer or smartphone.The information described/covered under the current invention isarranged and the instructions prepared in a manner that assures thatsomeone of novice skill in the art could complete use the kitsuccessfully. As mentioned, in some embodiments, the instructions areadapted for use of a specific kit or input included in the unique kitand contain unique information compared with other kits. Theinstructions may convey particular procedures, which instruments andmaterials (and the exact amounts) provided in the kit are used,including the processes highlighted in the methods of the abovesections. In some embodiments, the instructions may also highlight theshape and positioning of each component, as each sits in the kit, aswell as how they should be positioned when enacting the methods includedin the kits, to reduce end user confusion and likelihood of error.

In certain embodiments, the kit includes adapted labeling solutions tobe applied to the box/enclosure unit, and components and packagingprovided in the kit(s). The labeling may include generic information andenable the end user to adapt the labels, or may contain specific,predetermined labeling. The medicinal/pharmaceutical market particularlycould benefit from solutions that provide accurate labeling (forconsumers), cost-effectively (especially for smaller producers thatmight resort to generic, misleading labels given the cost-structurebehind creating custom labels).

In general, the kit(s) in the present invention enable a process ofdefining an inhalable formulation is consolidated with purchasing inputsfor a desired amount of said formulation. As such, practitionerinventory costs are reduced, formulas become more accurate, productquality increases overall, and, critically, medicinal outcomes (producedby provider) become more predictable and recreational users(self-medicating) have a much better option than purchasing filledcartridges (medicine; highly likely is mislabeled) on the black market.The present invention serves to enable producers of all sizes andambitions, and all extracts, to sample and test different formulationcombinations without having to incur major costs oroperational/mechanical pitfalls (especially for novice users; such atrial and error defined process is known to by those skilled in the arttoday).

Kits (their inputs) can be defined by either a cartridge filler(producer) or a kit provider (collectively herein called ‘kitdesigners’). Principally, the cartridge model and inhalable formulationinputs can be defined by either the kit provider or the end user. Thekit, at the designer's discretion, may also include components/tools,packaging/labeling, and cleaning materials. Each kit can, in terms ofthe volume of formulation inputs (additives; or extract and additives)and total cartridge (unit capacity and total number), be customized forproducing a predefined amount of an inhalable formulation, as well atarget strength and level of vapor production (preferences: dosing andtaste/flavor), for a given amount of extract from a specific aerosolgenerating device (cartridge battery combination). As such, the kitdesigner (producer, patient or kit provider) may also desire to providespecific labeling for the produced units, including logos, certaininformation, dosing instructions, etc. The kit designer might also needrequest a certain style of input, such as packaging or labeling, forperformance or regulatory/compliance reasons.

In general, kits maybe offered/created based on a desired number of‘fills’ (total liquid in recommended formula/single unit cartridgecapacity—i.e. 4.0 ml/0.5 ml=8 fills) specifically to enable an adaptable(unit-of-use) refill system. These unit-of-use kits also come withtailored instructions or the particular amount of formulation and numberof cartridges being filled in the unique kit. End users and providers ofinputs, and providers of filled (disposable) cartridges will all be ableto find value from the present invention. The kit may also recommendpower/battery/voltage devices to use to power the specific model ofcartridge containing a unique e-liquid.

The components needed in filled vape cartridge production generallyinclude empty cartridges, inputs (additives) for an inhalableformulation to be created from a given amount of extract, whichgenerally contains some amount of medicinal compounds and has uniqueproperties as compared to many other extracts with the same medicinalcompounds. A power source (generally a 510 thread battery; ideallyvariable voltage to achieve different outcomes with differentcartridge/formulation combinations), mixing tool, syringe tool (draw anddispense formulas when in liquid state) filling tools, containers, aheat source (myriad available known to those skilled in the art), somesemblance of instructions (generally has to be pulled from the web),some control or filling tool or mechanism to hold cartridges (for largerscale production) and cleaning and packaging solutions.

Importantly, cartridges and formulations must have properties that syncwith each other (must be relatively optimized for each other—i.e. in thepresent embodiment shows different combinations of cartridges andformulations) to provide an optimal or close-to-optimal vapingexperience. Given the range of medicinal extracts being used(particularly cannabinoid-based) to create formulations, there is a widerange of cartridge-formulation-additive combinations that may produce aparticular outcome (whether medicinal or recreational), under a givenamount of power (lesser consideration but still does impact the outcomeof the particular cartridge-formulation combination, as each combinationmay have an optimal temperature or temperature range, enabled by aparticular voltage. As the use of cannabinoid and other medicinalcompounds increases, solutions that control quality and dosage, in a waythat provides safe and medicinal benefits through vaping products isincreasingly important. The focus of this invention.

As discussed above, currently cartridge producers are sourcing inputsfrom myriad producers, in myriad markets, with little regulatoryoversight on said inputs (cannabis market). This is particularly thecase for smaller scale producers and personal providers who use theirown sourced extracts (containing largely unknown cannabinoid compounds).It is not advisable or efficient to hold large inventories of cartridgesand other inputs that are only optimized for certainextracts/formulations. A testing/sampling solution for these user typesis need. And if these producers ever want to produce medicinal,prescription products, they will demand/need a solution that enablesverified testing of the extract, and resources that provide specificrecipes/procedures to accurately compound the necessary inputs to createsuch medicinal formulations.

For this reason, corresponding labeling will be increasingly importantfor medicinal and consumer participation, as the premium for legitimateend products that serve consumers/end users honestly and efficientlywill be continually important. Thus, by establishing a kit provider thatcan inventory the inputs, (and can potentially test and certify themedicinal extracts/compounds that would be used in kit formulations),inventory management for many practitioners is greatly streamlined.

The kit provider also provides other efficiencies, highlighted in theaccompanying embodiments. A custom apparatus that holds specific inputsneeded by the cartridge producer saves tremendous time, especially forsmaller scale producers (novice/personal users), who do not currentlyget access to trays, that hold cartridges for filling, in smallerorders. The filling of cartridges and priming for use is much easierwhen all the necessary critical inputs are all in one tray and can befilled and placed in their correct priming position (upside down)immediately.

Pre-filled cartridge consumers of prefilled cartridges face a similarfate, as they are purchasing largely black-market products that are madewith more focus on profit than on providing targeted medicinal effects,for example. Their consumption also results in almost guaranteed (andunnecessary) waste, as pre-filled cartridges are disposed of after use.The present invention enables multiple solutions for a novice/individualfiller to create a specific targeted cartridge. Once the filler hassourced an amount of extract (particularly tested/known), the kitdesigner can then design his kit around the particular medicinalcompound he is planning to consume. He can adapt for strength, medicinalneeds, flavor, or other factors using the present invention. If theirgoal is reducing waste but maintaining a pre-manufactured formulation,they can utilize Kit3.

As a final use case that is highlighted in the present invention, a kitprovider (someone with access to tested medicinal compounds; and/orsomeone with inventory of all other kit components and inputs) canpotentially prescribe kits to patients. Just as they may currentlyprescribe filled cartridges (which may or may not be tested at current).Based on cost structure and consumer preference, many patients/consumersof inhalable cannabinoid (and other) formulations would be able tobenefit greatly from solutions highlighted in some of the preferredembodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more readily understood by referring to a number ofaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a right upper perspective view of a personal vape cartridgemanufacturing kit according to one embodiment of the present inventionwith the lid in a first open position.

FIG. 2 is a left upper perspective view of the filling station andcomponents of the embodiment in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of some components of the embodiment in FIG.1 , particularly the precision applicator and two containers.

FIG. 4 is a partial exploded view of some further components of theembodiment in FIG. 1 , particularly one cartridge, cartridge container,mouthpiece, and battery pack.

FIG. 5 is a partial exploded view of further components of anotherembodiment according to the present invention, particularly a cartridge,mouthpiece, and battery pack.

FIG. 6 is a side view of further components of another embodimentaccording to the present invention, particularly a cartridge,mouthpiece, and cartridge container.

FIG. 7 is a slightly elevated side view of a further cartridge containerof another embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a partial exploded view of further components of anotherembodiment according to the present invention, particularly related tothe precision applicator.

FIG. 9 is a partial exploded view of further components of anotherembodiment according to the present invention, particularly related to acartridge, and mouthpiece.

FIG. 10 is a side partial exploded view of further components of anotherembodiment according to the present invention, particularly related to amouthpiece, and cartridge.

FIG. 11 is a slightly elevated side view of a further component ofanother embodiment according to the present invention, particularlyrelated to an additive container with warning label.

FIG. 12 is a slightly elevated side view of a further component ofanother embodiment according to the present invention, particularlyrelated to an extract container with content label.

FIG. 13 is an upper slightly perspective view of a further component ofanother embodiment according to the present invention, particularlyrelated to another type of precision applicator.

FIG. 14 is a upper view of the precision applicator shown in FIG. 13 .

FIG. 15 is an upper front perspective view of a personal vape cartridgemanufacturing kit according to another embodiment of the presentinvention with the lid in a first open position.

FIG. 15A is a upper front view of the filling station of the kit shownin FIG. 15 .

FIG. 16 is an upper front perspective view of a personal vape cartridgemanufacturing kit according to another embodiment of the presentinvention with the lid in a first open position.

FIG. 17 is an upper view of a further component of another embodimentaccording to the present invention, particularly related to another typeof filling station and associated components.

FIG. 18 is an upper right perspective view of a further component ofanother embodiment according to the present invention, particularlyrelated to another type of filling station.

FIGS. 19A-19F are illustrations which may be employed chronologically ona kit to show a method of use according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 20 is an example illustration showing a potential method of use ofone embodiment according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Various aspects of the preferred embodiments of the present inventionare illustrated in FIGS. 1-20 .

Personal Vape Cartridge Manufacturing Kit #1

FIGS. 1-4 show one embodiment of a kit 2 according to a first embodimentof the present invention. Historically, packages are made to be disposedof and this result in additional waste. The kit 2 according to theembodiment shown here has a multi-purpose reusable container 20 with anumber of built-in structural redundancies to facilitates functionalcharacteristics and features of the present invention. Sidewalls 8extend vertically upwards from a solid base 10 and encompass the mainfilling station 30 and kit components 50-190. An additional externaladjacent sidewall 4 rotatably connects the base 10 to a lid 14, addingincreased vertical support and ensuring that even if the lid 14 issomehow compromised, the structural integrity of the main sidewalls 8remains uncompromised and intact. This is important to prevent wear andtear and to facilitate continued use of at least the filling station 30as will be discussed further in greater detail later below.

The rotating lid 14 has at least a first position and a second positionbeing rotatable with respect to the external sidewall 4. The rotatinglid 14 may have a label 12 provided on either an underside or an outerexternal side. This label 12 may have identifying information if presenton an external side. Alternatively, if provided on an interior side, thelabel 12 may provide component information, instructions for use 12Ahaving written components 12A, illustrations 12C, and warnings 12D (see,for example, FIG. 20 ). The rotating lid 14 has at least one pivotingflange 18 (sidewall, lip) opposite the external sidewall 4. Thispivoting flange is capable of pivoting or rotating into at least a firstposition being adjacent to at least one upwardly extending sidewall 8.The flange 18 having a first connection latch 16 positioned so as toengage a corresponding second connection latch 6 on the adjacentupwardly extending sidewall 8. In the embodiment here, the latches 6, 16are each a pair of magnetic latches, so that the first pair of magneticlatches 16 engages the second pair of magnetic latches, so that casualapplication of force along the lid 14 is insufficient to open the 14. Inother embodiments, the magnetic latches lockingly engage, where the term‘lockingly engage’ being used to describe a magnetic force beingsignificant enough to prevent lifting the lid 14 directly upwards byhand, without first rotating the flange 18 away from the sidewall 8.Although the magnetic latches 6, 16 are illustrated as rectangular,these magnetic latches 6, 16 may also be square(s), column(s), or anyother correspondingly similar shapes.

Filling Station 30

The filling station 30 serves multiple functions which are not readilyapparent to the outside observer but fulfill a vital, and before now,unrecognized imperative for a user. That is, as discussed above, thereare any number of products available for inhalable cartridges. However,the inventor has found that customers are unsatisfied with theseproducts for several reasons. The inventor believes that at least one ofthe reasons that many customers are unsatisfied with the presentlyavailable products is the inability to handle the necessary componentswith ease and security. That is, the inventor believes that kitcomponents 30-190, and particularly the cartridges 80 are of such sizeand delicacy that mistakes are almost inevitable outside of a laboratorysetting where a stray family pet or merely an imbalanced dinner tablecan quickly spell disaster when trying to mix precise formulations.

The filling station 30 meets these needs by providing secure and stablevertically extending upright holding areas 36 for the cartridges 80,which is to say that a main volume internal axis of the holding areas 36extends vertically, parallel to the sidewalls. Further ensuringdecreased spillage and increased accuracy, the kit 2 also includesvertically extending upright holding areas 40, 42 for the additivecontainer 180 and extract container 190, respectively.

In order to further sustainability goals and reduce waste, this fillingstation 30 also doubles as a packaging cushion ensuring that all of thekit components are provided with ample shock protection and vibrationisolation. To further this goal, the filling station 30 has cushioningholding areas 32, 34, 38 which extend horizontally, which is to say thata main volume internal axis of the holding areas 32, 34, 38 extendshorizontally, perpendicular to the sidewalls. These holding areasfacilitate securely and releasably retaining at least the cartridgecontainers 50, precision applicator 130, and in this embodiment, theapplicator tip 160 is also separately retained.

In this kit 2, the material of the filling station is athree-dimensional rigid foam form having holding areas with dimensionswhich are preferably between 5-0.1 micrometers, and more preferably atleast 2 micrometers smaller than the respective components they aredesigned to hold. This ensures that the resultant interference fitbetween the kit components and their respective holding areas issufficient to create a frictional force sufficient to overcome arespective gravitational force if the kit 2 was inadvertently rotatedinto an upside-down position, i.e., in which the openings of the holdingareas are facing downwards. Thus, the contents of the kit 2 remainsecurely retained in the filling station regardless of whether the lid14 is securely fastened. This provides yet another structuralredundancy, to improve overall functionality as discussed above.

Cartridge Containers 50

The cartridge containers 50 are generally columnar containers capable ofstoring both the individual cartridges 80 and a respective mouthpiece70. The columnar walls 56 extend downwards to a rigid base 54 around aninternal cavity 52. A label 58 is provided along the side of the wall 56with identifying information such as the type of mouthpiece 70, and thetype of cartridge 80. Other embodiments have erasable labels 58 when thecartridges 80 have storable fluid contained within, so that theidentifying information for these cartridge containers 50 can alsoindicate the date that the cartridge 80 was filled. The lid 60 of thecartridge containers 50 has a circumferential mating edge 62 so thatwhen the lid is closed, the upper lip of the columnar wall 56 issealingly engaged to the mating edge 62 preventing leaks or spills.

Cartridges 80

The cartridges 80 of this kit have a mouthpiece 70, atomizer 90, and themain chamber 84. The holding chamber cavity 86 of the main chamber 84 ispreferably capable of holding between about 10 mL to about 100 mL, morepreferably between about 20 mL to about 60 mL, and more preferably,about 40.5 mL. At a first lower end, the atomizer 90, has a threadedbase 94 capable of engaging a threaded portion 102 of the battery pack100. A metal ring 92 supports the base of the glass tube of the mainchamber 84 which surrounds the atomizer 90. A hollow shaft 88 connectsthe atomizer 90 with the mouthpiece 70 via the connection ring 82. Theatomizer 90 of this cartridge has large carborator flow ports and porousceramic core with an infused coil heating element.

The mouthpieces 70 of the kit 2 have an adapter 72 capable of matinglyengaging their corresponding cartridge main chambers 84. A bore 74extends throughout the interior of the mouthpiece 70 from a first end ofthe adapter 72 to a second end of the beak 78. The beak has a generallysloping shape which extends gradually from the main shank 76.

After filling, the mouthpiece 70 is connected to the cartridge mainchamber 84, and sealingly engages a first end of the cartridge mainchamber 84. As suction is required in order to break the seal once themain chamber 84 is connected to the mouthpiece 70, the mouthpieces 70are often used as seals for filled cartridges 80.

The kit 2 may also be provided with a battery pack 100 which may behoused in the filling station 30 holding space 32 adjacent the cartridgecontainers of similar columnar build and shape. The battery packs 100have a basic columnar shaft 104 with a cartridge adapter 102 and powerswitch 106.

Precision Applicator 130

The precision applicator of the present kit 1 has several componentsincluding the plunger 120, barrel 130, hub 140, the cap 150, and theapplicator tip 160. For obvious reasons, the cap 150 and the applicatortip 160 cannot both be attached at the same, but instead are alternatelyattachable to the hub 140. The plunger 120 has a plunger flange 122 at afirst end of a main shaft 126. At the opposite end of the main shaft 126is a seal 124 which internally engages the inside walls of thecylindrical hollow shaft 138 of the barrel 130. Indicia 132 along theouter walls of the cylindrical hollow shaft 138 ensure that precisemeasurements can be achieved outside of laboratory conditions. A barrelflange 136 extends horizontally outward from the outer walls of thecylindrical hollow shaft 138 at an end opposite the hub 140.

The hub 140 has a main cylindrical portion 142, having a first diametermeeting the end of the barrel shaft 138, then narrowing drastically, andhaving a second diameter being less than 5/7 of the first diameter. Aflange outwardly extends from the main cylindrical portion 142 beforebending and forming an outer sleeve 144 surrounding the main cylindricalportion 142 along the second smaller diameter portion. A cylindrical gap148 exists between the outer sleeve 144 and the second smaller diameterportion of the main cylindrical portion 142. The outer sleeve 144 has athreaded inner wall 146 facilitating a locking engagement with eitherthe cap 150 or the applicator tip 160. The cap 150 has a correspondingthreaded wall 152 capable of engaging with the threaded inner wall 146of the hub 140. The cap also has a hollow space 154 capable of receivingthe second smaller diameter portion of the main cylindrical portion 142extending upwards from the joining point of the outer sleeve 144. Insome embodiments, the hub 140 may comprise a luer lock capable offacilitating a locking engagement seal with either the applicator tip160 or the cap 150.

The applicator tip 160 is similar in some respects to a typical needlehead, in that the device is mainly hollow, providing a channel toprovide fluids to a specific area. An adapter 162, a needle hub 164, andmain shaft 166 are all hollow, their internal channels internallyconnected. However, unlike most needle tips, the internal channels arenot all coaxially aligned. Instead, the internal axis of the main shaft166 is at a slight angle 168, juxtaposed from the internal axis of theneedle hub 164, and the adapter 162. Also distinct from other injectors,the gauge is both rather small, i.e., 5-20 gauge, and more preferably,about 7-12 gauge (large diameter) with a blunt tip.

Additives 180 & Extracts 190

The additive container 180 and extract container 190 are securelyretained by the filling station 30 in upright holding areas 40, 42,respectively. The extract container 190, also called mixing container,is generally larger than ‘necessary’ in order to facilitate mixing withthe stirring rod. The height of the filling station is such that thelids 182, 192, may be removed while the filling station holding areas40, 42 still retain the bases 184, 194 securely. This ensures that theadditive and extract materials 186, 196 within are not subject tojostling which may cause material loss. The lids 182, 192 may be labeledaccording to their internal content, and/or comprise additionalidentifying information. For example, 500 mg cartridges, having aformula with 75% extract and 25% additive, may have a label indicatingthe medicinal profile and potential effects including side effects:337.5 mg THC-A, mood enhancer; 50 mg limonene terpenes, appetite, painrelief. The corresponding kit 2 identifying information might also havea producer name; state issued license number and other required infoincluding but not limited to the extract potency: 90% THC-A; and thename and location of the testing facility.

Further Features and Embodiments

As discussed in the summary of the invention above, the presentinvention seeks to provide options for various kits and use. As thesevariations and the reasoning behind these variations are discussed abovein the summary, it is believed that no further discussion of thesestructural variations which are plainly visible in the appended drawingsis necessary, but a brief summary is provided here again. FIGS. 5-14illustrate various aspects of these components which are tailored forspecific uses and needs identified by the inventors. Specifically, FIGS.5-14 illustrate various adapted cartridges 80, mouthpieces 80, batterypacks 100, cartridge containers 50, precision applicators 130, additives180, and extracts 190.

For example, FIG. 6 illustrates the cartridge 80 having a shorter mainchamber 84 and correspondingly shorter holding chamber cavity 86 andhollow shaft 88. Whereas FIGS. 9-10 illustrates the cartridge 80 havinga longer main chamber 84 and correspondingly longer holding chambercavity 86 and hollow shaft 88. The internal length of the main chamber84 of earlier embodiments being preferably between 1-3 cm, and morepreferable about 1.5 cm. The internal length of the main chamber 84 ofshorter embodiments being preferably between 0.5-2 cm, and morepreferable about 1 cm. The internal length of the main chamber 84 oflonger embodiments being preferably between 2-5 cm, and more preferableabout 3.5 cm.

FIGS. 9-10 show alternate cartridges 80 which work in concert with thefilling station in FIG. 20 by eliminating the requirement for acartridge container 50. This is made possible by having end caps whichprovide a further structural redundancy and sealingly engage a secondend of the cartridge 80 opposite the mouthpiece 70. This embodiment alsoemploys end caps which sealingly engage the first end of the mainchamber 84, these end caps are structurally identical to a first portionof the mouthpieces 70 lacking only the beak 78 and have an adapter 72capable of matingly engaging a corresponding cartridge main chamber 84.A bore 74 extends partially throughout the interior shank 76 of the endcap from a first end of the adapter 72 so as to accommodate and engagewith connection rings 82 of the hollow shaft 88 which extend upward frombeyond a peripheral edge of the walls of the main chamber 84.

FIGS. 15-18 illustrate various kits 2 and filling stations 30 tofacilitate various unmet needs as discussed in the summary above. FIGS.19A-19F are illustrations which may be employed chronologically on a kitto show a method of use according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 20 is an example illustration showing a label 12 havingvarious components 12A, written instructions 12B, associateddiagrammatical illustrations 12C, and associated warnings 12D accordingto the present invention as discussed above.

LIST OF REFERENCED ELEMENTS

The following reference numbers are adhered to within the specificationto refer to those referenced elements within the drawings of the presentapplication.

kit 2 atomizer 90 external adjacent sidewall 4 threaded base 94 magneticlatches 6, 16 metal ring 92 sidewalls 8 threaded portion 102 solid base10 battery pack 100 label 12 plunger 120 label subcomponents 12A plungerflange 122 written instructions 12B seal 124 diagrammaticalillustrations 12C main shaft 126 warnings 12D barrel 130 rotating lid 14indicia 132 pivoting flange 18 barrel flange 136 reusable container 20hollow shaft 138 main filling station 30 hub 140 horizontal holdingareas 32, 34, 38 main cylindrical portion 142 vertical holding areas 36,40, 42 outer sleeve 144 cartridge containers 50 threaded inner wall 146internal cavity 52 inner gap 148 rigid base 54 cap 150 columnar walls 56threaded wall 152 label 58 hollow space 154 lid 60 applicator tip 160mating edge 62 adapter 162 internal cavity 64 needle hub 164 mouthpiece70 main shaft 166 adapter 72 angle 168 bore 74 additive container 180shank 76 lid 182 beak 78 base 184 cartridges 80 extract container 190connection ring 82 lid 192 main chamber walls 84 base 194 holdingchamber cavity 86 extract 196 hollow shaft 88

CONCLUSION

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed herein, the above description is merely illustrative. Furthermodification of the invention herein disclosed will occur to thoseskilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed tobe within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vape cartridge filling kit comprising: areusable container having: a sidewall extending vertically upwards froma solid base, the sidewall having a first connection latch; a lid beingrotatable with respect to the sidewall from a first open position to asecond closed position, the lid having a second connection latch; thefirst connection latch and second connection latch respectivelypositioned on the sidewall and lid so as to engage one another when thelid is in the second closed position; and at least one structuralredundancy; a filling station which is encompassed by the sidewall andbase of the reusable container when the lid is in the first openposition, and further encompassed by the lid when the lid is in thesecond closed position; the filling station having: a plurality ofvertical holding areas which extend vertically and parallel to thesidewall; and a plurality of horizontal holding areas which extendhorizontally and perpendicular to the sidewall; a plurality ofcartridges, each of the plurality of cartridges having an atomizer and amain chamber; a height of each of the plurality of cartridges being lessthan a height of the sidewall; a diameter of each of the plurality ofcartridges forming an interference fit when positioned in a respectiveone of the plurality of vertical holding areas; and a precisionapplicator having a diameter capable of forming an interference fit whenpositioned in a respective one of the plurality of horizontal holdingareas.
 2. The vape cartridge filling kit of claim 1 wherein the at leastone structural redundancy consisting of: a first portion of the base ofthe reusable container extending for a first distance beyond a firstportion of the sidewall, and a second portion of the base extending fora second distance beyond a second portion of the sidewall; a firstportion of a main body of the lid extending for the first distancebeyond the first portion of the sidewall, and a second portion of themain body of the lid extending for the second distance beyond the secondportion of the sidewall, when the lid is in the second closed position;an additional sidewall externally adjacent to the first portion of thesidewall, and the additional sidewall extending vertically upwardsbetween the first portion of the base and the first portion of the mainbody of the lid; a lid flange pivotably connected to the second portionof the main body of the lid, the lid flange having a first pivotingposition and a second pivoting position, such that when the lid is inthe second closed position and the lid flange is in the second pivotingposition, the lid flange is externally adjacent to the second portion ofthe sidewall, and the lid flange extends vertically downwards from thesecond portion of the main body of the lid towards the second portion ofthe base; the first distance accommodating the width of the additionalsidewall; and the second distance accommodating the width of the lidflange.
 3. The vape cartridge filling kit of claim 1 wherein: the firstconnection latch consists of a first pair of magnetic latches beingpositioned on the sidewall; the second connection latch consists of asecond pair of magnetic latches being positioned on a lid flange havinga first pivoting position and a second pivoting position; and when thelid is in the second closed position and the lid flange is in the secondpivoting position, the second pair of magnetic latches lockingly engagesthe first pair of magnetic latches.
 4. The vape cartridge manufacturingkit of claim 1 wherein the reusable container having a label positionedprovided on one of an under side and an external side of the lid, andthe label comprising at least one of identifying information, componentinformation, instructions for use, warnings, written components, andillustrating diagrams.
 5. The vape cartridge filling kit of claim 1further comprising: at least one additive container securely containingat least one additive selected from the group consisting of solvent,terpenes, mct oils, and PG/VG; at least one extract container securelycontaining at least one extract selected from the group consisting ofcannabinoids, THC and CBD; at least one precision applicator withmeasuring indicia for providing a specific amount of the at least oneadditive, and the at least one extract container to one of the pluralityof cartridges.
 6. A method for filling cartridges using a kit, the kitcomprising: providing a kit having: a reusable container having alockable lid; at least one structural redundancy; a filling stationhaving a plurality of vertical holding areas and a horizontal holdingarea; a plurality of cartridges and a plurality of containers, each heldvia interference fit in one of the plurality of vertical holding areas;each of the plurality of containers securely containing a pre-measuredamount of one of an active compound and an inactive compound; and aprecision applicator held via interference fit in the horizontal holdingarea; using measuring indicia on the precision applicator to withdraw afirst calculated amount of the in-active compound; using measuringindicia on the precision applicator to withdraw a second calculatedamount of the active compound; preparing a personalized formulation bymixing the first calculated amount of the in-active compound and thesecond calculated amount of the active compound in one of the pluralityof containers; using measuring indicia on the precision applicator towithdraw a third calculated amount of the personalized formulation;filling a holding chamber cavity of the cartridge with personalizedformulation while simultaneously avoiding filling a hollow shaft of thecartridge; and securely holding each of the plurality of cartridges andplurality of containers, by maintaining each respective position in theplurality of vertical holding areas.
 7. A reusable container for vapecartridge filling comprising: a sidewall extending vertically upwardsfrom a solid base, the sidewall having a first connection latch; a lidbeing rotatable with respect to the sidewall from a first open positionto a second closed position, the lid having a second connection latch;the first connection latch and second connection latch respectivelypositioned on the sidewall and lid so as to engage one another when thelid is in the second closed position; a filling station which isencompassed by the sidewall and base of the reusable container when thelid is in the first open position, and further encompassed by the lidwhen the lid is in the second closed position; a plurality of verticalholding areas which extend vertically and parallel to the sidewall; aplurality of horizontal holding areas which extend horizontally andperpendicular to the sidewall; and a plurality of cartridges, each ofthe plurality of cartridges having an atomizer and a main chamber; aheight of each of the plurality of cartridges being less than a heightof the sidewall; a diameter of each of the plurality of cartridgesforming an interference fit when positioned in a respective one of theplurality of vertical holding areas.